December 23, 2024

At Home with GCH: “All Things Green” — Green Food!! :)

March 20, 2013 by

I know St Patty’s Day is done and over with, but I just had to share these FUN recipes with you!!  It doesn’t have to be a GREEN holiday to share them, right??!!  🙂  ENJOY!

 

AllThingsGreen

 

Green Velvet Cake Pops

http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2011/03/07/green-velvet-cake-pops-more-st-pattys-day-baking-ideas/

 

Grasshopper Cupcakes

http://www.luulla.com/product/13648/grasshopper-cupcake-in-a-jar-5

 

Green Tollhouse Cookies

http://pinterest.com/pin/75224256245963297/

 

Split Pea and Ham Soup

http://clarefare.com/2012/02/24/split-pea-and-ham-soup/

 

Green Rice Krispie Treats

http://pinterest.com/pin/179299628886835822/

 

Shamrock Shakes

http://smells-like-home.com/2011/03/shamrock-shakes/

 

Enjoy sharing these fun recipes with your family!

 

Be Blessed,

Christi

_____________________

If you would like to send a private message to Christi regarding this blog,

please email her at: Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Meet the Founders of Girlfriends Coffee Hour

March 18, 2013 by

Christi Wilson

Founder  –  Blog Contributor 

Meet Christi Wilson.  She lives in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Christi is the wife to her wonderful husband Gary, mom/step-mom to her amazing kids Tiffani, Heather, William, and Joshua, and grandmother to her awesome grandchildren Michael, Brandon, Makenzie, Brooklyn, Kyler, Alaina, Jayden, Austin, Kylee, and CJ.

Christi has been involved in Women’s Ministries for ten years.  She was part of the Women’s Team with Christian Motorcyclists Association for nearly 9 years.  She  has been coordinating Online Bible Study/Prayer Groups on Facebook, since 2011, when she created the first Facebook Prayer Groups for Proverbs 31 Ministries.  The Lord led her into starting her own online Bible study ministry, and that’s when Girlfriends Coffee Hour was born!

After over five years of being empty-nesters, Christi and her husband became foster parents for children in crisis.  Although foster parenting can be quite challenging, the rewards are far more numerous!  This was truly a God-thing!  Coming from a background of physical and emotional abuse, she can relate to the hurts that many of these children go through in their life!

She also loves to read, study the Word, cook, and play word games.

She gave her life to Jesus on March 23, 1984, when He saved her from suicide, drugs, and alcohol.  She believes that without Jesus, we are nothing.  He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness in our lives and accepts us right where we are in our lives…blemishes and all.

 

Megan SmidtMegan Smidt, CLC – Co-Founder –  Blog Contributor 

Megan is a Certified Christian Life Coach specializing in Relationship Coaching and more specifically, Blended Family Relationships. She also works part-time as Personal Assistant to Christian Musician Yancy.

She and her husband Craig have been married 8 years.  She is the adoptive full-time mother to Craig’s 5 children from a previous marriage, all ranging in age from 21 years old to 14.  Megan is from sunny Southern California, but has lived in middle Tennessee since 2007.

Megan is very active in her church and in ministering to women. She leads a family small group in her home every week along with her husband and she works with teenagers at church on Thursday nights.   Megan also regularly does speaking engagements on various topics concerning Christian Women and is a Certified Christian Life Coach with clients all over the world.

Megan loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. She enjoys reading, music, movies, photography, paper crafting, sewing and roller skating.  She is silly, fun, and loves making new friends!

You will learn more about Megan when we introduce her new Glorious Living blog on Friday!

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We are so very excited to start this next study, Girls with Swords, with you! Lisa Bevere is an amazing author who will bring you deeper and deeper in your walk with the Lord!  If you haven’t signed up for this study yet, you will want to TODAY to reserve your spot!  To sign up, click on the picture below, and you will be taken to our sign-up page.  Once you complete the registration process, we will email you further details.  

GWS

Study Begins March 24th!

Sign Up Today!

 

 

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Our Next Women’s Online Bible / Book Study Begins March 24th!

March 15, 2013 by

GWS

 

“Lisa Bevere is one of God’s most powerful voices for this time in our history.” — Sheila Walsh, core speaker of Women of Faith

“As you read Girls with Swords, you’ll be empowered to face your challenges with boldness and learn to live like a hero.” — Robert and Debbie Morris, pastors, Gateway Church, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX

“Read this book with fair warning: You are about to engage in a powerfully courageous life!” — Christine Caine, author of Undaunted and co-founder of The A21 Campaign

“In Girls with Swords you will be challenged to join the ranks of Christians who are already moving forward in their faith.  Don’t be taken out of the fight! Stand firm and experience spiritual victory!” — Pastor Steven and Holly Furtick, Elevation Church, Charlotte NC

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I’m a huge Lisa Bevere fan.  I’ve been a fan of hers for years, all the way back to “Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry.”  I had the privilege of seeing Lisa and John in a conference, here in Wisconsin, several years ago.  It was one of the most empowering, invigorating, spiritual conferences I’ve been to!  Lisa and John both have an amazingly strong desire to reach others with the Gospel!

When I first heard about this new book Girls with Swords I knew immediately that I had to get it!  I immediately felt God say “This is your next GCH study!”  Even though we continued to discuss other studies, I always came back to this book!

The day I got the book, I wanted to read it right away; but I put it aside until I could really focus on what I was reading.  I’m so glad I did because this is a book that you don’t want to just skim through.  You will want to study this book!  It is that important!  If you take this book and really study it, it truly will bring you victory!  Promise me that you won’t just skim through this book!  I want  to see victory in your life, just as much as Lisa did when she wrote this book!

So, how do you sign up, you ask?  That’s the easy part!

There are three steps to take to make sure you get the most out of this study:

1) Buy the book.  You will find links on our sign-up page for the hardcopy and the Kindle version of Girls with Swords.

2) Sign Up HERE

3) If you are on Facebook, you will need to send a Friend Request to our GCH Admin, so we can add you to our secret Facebook group where we will dig deeper into this book as a group.  You do not need to be on Facebook to follow along with this study.  BUT, you will get so much more out of it, if you can join our study group!  As soon as you complete the registration process, we will email you further details.

Before I close, I want to share one more thing with you.  This is shared on the inside cover of this book.  It will give you an idea of what you can expect from this book.

“Creatively forging the imagery of swords, the Word of God, and the Cross, Girls with Swords will teach you:

  • How to speak the language of heaven on earth
  • What it means to intercede
  • What it means to carry your cross
  • What it means to be discerning
  • How to disarm the enemy
  • Why women are the enemy’s target-and why God needs them to be heroes

It’s time to take up your sword and be a hero!”

 

We hope you will join us for this amazing study!

 

God’s VICTORY is waiting for YOU!

Christi Wilson, Founder of Girlfriends Coffee Hour

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To send Christi a private email in regards to this website, blog, or ministry, you may email her at: Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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At Home w/ GCH: Going “Green” with Cleaning Products

March 13, 2013 by

For several years, I owned and operated a home cleaning business.  Some of my customers were very adamant about using all-natural, non-toxic, cleaning products in their homes, so I had to do some major research to find the perfect cleaning products for their homes.  I’m glad I found these customers because they introduced me to a whole new way of cleaning, AND a healthier way of cleaning!

One thing I cannot stand to see is someone using bleach to clean their kitchen countertops where they prepare the foods they will then serve to their family!  Bleach….  Do you know what is in bleach? Harsh Chemicals!  A product that they advise you to use rubber gloves when you use it.  A product that can blind you if it gets in your eyes.  A product that will literally burn your throat if you accidentally swallow it.  But yet, we use it to clean an area where food is prepped for our families.  I’ve never understood that!

One ingredient that I found that is safe to use, and works rather well is white vinegar.  It can be used in your laundry, on windows, countertops, toilets, floors, and more!  When used on windows, it leaves no streaks!  When I use it, I mix it at a ratio of 3:1…3 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

Another ingredient that works really well is baking soda.  This little beauty is not just for baking/cooking!  It can be used as a scrub for your tub, or made into a soft-scrub for stainless steel sinks, and more!

I also use Shaklee cleaning products in my home.  These products are amazing when it comes to cleaning AND saving you money!!  For my window cleaner, I use 1/4 tsp of Shaklee Basic H, to 16 ounces of water!  The old saying “if a little works good, a lot ought to work a whole lot better” doesn’t apply to Shaklee products! When they say use 1/4 tsp, they mean it!   A 16 ounce bottle of Basic H will last you a LONG, LONG time!  It is well worth the price!!

Shaklee Basic H is an awesome concentrate. It’s non-toxic, all-natural, and doubly concentrated.  By using it to mix your cleaners it costs less than $.01 cent to make a 16 ounce bottle of window cleaner, only $.03 to make a 16 ounce bottle of all-purpose cleaner, and only $.17 to make a 16 ounce bottle of degreaser.  It will definitely save you money on cleaning products!  Normally each of those products would cost me $3.00+ at my retail store!

I’m not a representative of Shaklee; I am only a customer!  A happy customer!  So if you are interested in using Shaklee products, you will need to find a representative in your area OR you can use MY rep, Jenny Utrie.  Click HERE to be taken to her website.  Tell her Christi Wilson sent you!

Shaklee

Going Green in your home with cleaning products means you will have a healthier and cleaner atmosphere for your loved ones!  Isn’t that what we all want anyway?

Join me next week, as I continue this series on “All Things Green“!

Be Blessed,

Christi

If you would like to send Christi a personal email in regards to this blog, please email her at: Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

 

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Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

March 13, 2013 by

What do I want to be doing when Christ returns?

I feel a sense of urgency. At the beginning of Chapter 10, Chan talks about how the first church in Acts responded to the Pentecost with “immediate action.” They repented, were baptized, sold their possessions, and shared the gospel. After going through this book and understanding how wide and long and high and deep our God loves every single one of us, I feel compelled to share that love. I do not want to hide in a box anymore. I want to do as Chan suggests on page 164 and “…live as though each person I come into contact with is Christ.” I do not want to live with any fear, but with supreme confidence in my Lord’s greatness and power. He is bigger than any problem I will face in my life. I yearn to trust fully in His promises and let go of my hesitations so that I can live for Him and for His glory.

I want to learn to not only listen to but obey our God with my whole heart. My senses are open to seeing Him work in my life and in the lives of those around me. I want to finish the race He has set before me. I want to run it alongside Him, knowing He will uphold me with His righteous right hand.

I want to live the life He created me to live. I want to be on fire for God, living fully in His Spirit and doing the work He is calling me to do. He did not die on the cross for me to live a complacent Christian life. He wants to move me into something bigger, something greater. I must be willing to let go of everything I am holding onto right now so that I can grasp the life that He has for me. It is scary, but He promises that He will be with me.

complacencycrazylove

Lord Jesus, I want to follow You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want every fiber of my being to be consumed with You. Move me, guide me, walk with me, and teach me. Help me deal with my fear, insecurity, and lack of confidence for sharing You with those You call me to minister to. Convict me of my complacency and move me into a place of action. Speak to me and show me Your will. It is in Your holy and precious Name that I pray, Amen.

It has been a blessing and an honor to walk this Crazy Love journey with each one of you.

Jennifer

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th.  

To sign up, click on the picture above, complete the registration form, and we will email you further details.  

We hope you will join us!!

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

March 12, 2013 by

What Will YOU Be Doing

I’m filling in for Martha this week, as she is out of town with family.

I’ve been praying about what I want to share on this blog this week, since last week.  When you think about it, this is one very important question that we all need to ask ourselves.  Are we doing what we want to be doing when Christ comes back?  Are we doing what Christ wants us to be doing when He returns?  Or are we just floundering through life doing whatever, whenever, with whomever?

The words that I want to hear when I see Him face to face, either in heaven or here on earth, is “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  I think we all want to hear those words.  I want to know that everything I have done here on earth brings glory to Him, honors Him, and reflects Him as the loving, redeeming, forgiving, gracious Lord that He is.

I want to be reaching out to women all across the world, fulfilling the word that He has given me time and time again, to spread the gospel across all nations!  On several occasions, the Lord told me that He wants me to spread the gospel worldwide; three different Scriptures, on three different occasions, confirmed this for me.

Today, almost one year since I started Girlfriends Coffee Hour, I do feel as if I am doing what He wants me to be doing, and I pray that I am still ministering to women all across the world through GCH, when Christ returns!  This ministry has been such a huge blessing to see how God is working in so many lives, marriages, families, etc.  It has been such an honor to be used by Him to minister to women in need, who need to see Jesus in their circumstances, and in their lives.  It’s been such a blessing to pray with women all over the world; to encourage them; to study the Word with them, and so on.

I also have another side to my life that some of you may not know about.  I am a foster mom to kids whose families are in crisis, or just need help.  I am brand new at this, having had only one placement so far.  My husband, Gary, and I both know that this is something God called us to.  We both have hearts for kids who have bad homes, or need to be shown the love of God.  Our first placement ended this last weekend.  My heart is sad because the two precious little ones that we had for a period of time were the most adorable little boys ever!!  To wake up each morning and see their smiling little faces, Wow!  I can’t even begin to tell you what that does to your heart!  I pray God will continue to use us in this manner, and make us even better at parenting future kids that will come into our home.

So, in answer to the question “Is this what I want to be doing when Christ comes back?” I would say that no matter what I am doing, all I want to hear is Him say to me, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  I want to do all that I can to the glory of Him who has called and chosen me.

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Let’s Pray:

Lord, I pray for each person that is reading this blog today.  I pray, Lord, that they would truly search their hearts to make sure that they are doing what You have called them to do. May they begin to seek You in all that they do, Lord.  May they do all that they do to bring You glory and honor!  May Your plans for their lives be exactly what YOU have called them to do! Our only goal, Lord, should be to bring glory and honor to YOU, Lord, in ALL that we do.  We love You so very much!  In Your precious Name, AMEN!

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th!

To join us, click on the picture above and complete the registration form.  

You may also purchase your book from that sign-up page, too!

We hope you join us!

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Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

March 10, 2013 by

We have come to the end of our Crazy Love journey. This book is truly life-changing. This week, we will be reading chapter 10, but here on the blog, we will be posting our answers to the question of the last section of Chapter 10:  “Is this what I want to be doing when Christ comes back?”  We’ll be answering in a way that will tell you what we want to be doing when Christ returns.  We would love to hear your answers, as well.

 

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for changing lives, for being our Redeemer, for loving us so very much. You have turned hearts and taught us to look at things differently during this study and we thank and praise You for that. As we finish this study and continue forward, do not let us forget what we have learned. Continue to bring it into our hearts. Thank You, Jesus. We love You. Amen.

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GWS

 Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!!  

To join us, click on the picture above and complete the sign-up form.

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details! 

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Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way?” (pp 157-161)

March 6, 2013 by

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 
2 Corinthians 5:17

Do you all remember those Transformer toys? Now, my memory is not what it used to be, but I think they would change from figures into vehicles or into different creatures and such. Am I close?  As I was reading through the three profiles in this section, the Lord kept whispering to me. Over and over again.  The same word.

Transform.

Transformed.

A life transformed.

All of the profiles we are reading in this chapter illustrate lives of regular, everyday people. People like you and me. Some went through struggles with gambling, addictions, even prostitution. But then they met Jesus Christ. And, similar to those transformer toys, once they met Jesus, their lives were transformed. Jesus washed away the ugliness of their past. He took their shame, their hurt, their despair, and transformed it into something beautiful for His glory. Their lives were forever changed by His love and grace at work in their lives.

George Mueller and his wife started an orphanage and did not seek out donations. When they had a need, they went to God in prayer. Every need they had was met. By prayer alone. Brother Yun was persecuted for his faith before escaping to Germany with his family. He is now involved in a movement to preach the gospel in all countries, cities, towns, and ethnic groups between China and Jerusalem. Shane Claiborne serves the very poor and broken in one of the worst neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

I am sure we can all recall a moment when we felt the transforming power of Christ at work in our lives. Maybe it was when you first accepted Him into your heart. Perhaps it was during a struggle when you leaned on Him more than you ever had before. What if you could take the gift Christ has given you—a transformed life—and partner with Him to transform lives of those around you?

Love-to-Extremes-crazy-love-francis-chan-F

We are only limited by what we think we cannot do. God does not call us to do something that is impossible. He equips us to do the work He has prepared for us in advance to do.

So, let’s put on our armor and step out in faith. Let’s begin this revival, shall we?

*****

Let’s Pray:

Father, You are all about transforming lives. You bring us out of the depths of despair and give us hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. Stepping out in faith is difficult, Lord, but we KNOW that You would not call us to do something that is impossible or that You will not equip us to do. And we KNOW Lord, that YOU will be with us every step of the journey. Stir a revival in our hearts, in our lives, and in each of our communities. Bring forth a renewed passion in us for serving You. Give us courage, Father, to take that first step. We can do ALL things through YOU who gives us strength. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!

Your Assignment:

What is one thing you can do today to help someone in your path? It can be a stranger, a friend, or a family member. Pray and ask God to show you how you can meet a need today and then tell us about it!

*****

Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere

Girls with Swords
by Lisa Bevere

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!! 

________________________

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

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At Home with GCH: “All Things Green” Month!! — Green Smoothies

March 6, 2013 by

Just for the month of March, every Wednesday here on At Home with GCH, I will be blogging about “All Things Green.”  I hope you enjoy it!

Today, I want to share my all-time favorite Green Smoothie recipe.  If you’ve never had a Green Smoothie before, don’t let the color scare you off!  Green Smoothies are not only healthy for you, they taste delicious, and are a GREAT way to get your fruits and veggies in for the day!  God gave us these awesome fruits and vegetables, so why not put them to good use!

Let’s start by talking about Green Smoothies and why they are so good for you!  My dear friend Sandra Castillo turned me onto these deliciously healthy smoothies.  She is the Green Smoothie guru that I go to if I have any questions about them!  She has been drinking Green Smoothies for nearly 4 years and has not been sick one time during this time.  When everyone else is suffering from the flu, colds, sinus infections, and more…Sandra is like the Energizer battery and just keeps going, and going, and going!  She has taught me so much about these delicious drinks, and I can’t wait to share some of what I have learned from her!

ToYourHealth

The benefits of Green Smoothies:

  • Promotes blood purification
  • Cancer prevention
  • Improves circulation
  • Strengthens immune system
  • Promotes healthy intestinal flora
  • Promotes extra energy
  • Lifts spirits and reduces/eliminates depression
  • Improves liver, gall bladder and kidney functions
  • Clears congestion, especially in lungs by reducing mucus

This is what you will find in each Green Smoothie:

  • protein
  • calcium
  • folate
  • iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper
  • vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A
  • vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6
  • vitamin E
  • omega 3 fatty acids
  • potassium
  • tryptophan
  • dietary fiber
  • and much more!

My favorite Green Smoothie recipe:

  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 tbsp ground flax seed
  • 16 oz of purified water
  • 2 handfuls of fresh kale
  • 6 ice cubes

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

I always use kale in my smoothies.  I’m not much of a fan of spinach, but I can tolerate it if I have to.  But my favorite for my Green Smoothies is kale.  Kale has a ton of health benefits, too! 

Here are just a few of the health benefits of kale:

  • very versatile and nutritious green leafy vegetable
  • low calories
  • high in fiber
  • zero fat
  • high in iron
  • high in vitamins A, C, and K
  • filled with powerful antioxidants
  • anti-inflammatory
  • great for cardiovascular support
  • high in calcium
  • great detox food
  • strengthens immune system
  • binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease
  • can reduce the overall risk of developing or dying from cancer, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  • notably good in many B-complex groups of vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6(pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc., that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body
  • believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases, and colon and prostate cancers

One warning that I have found on kale:

  • Because of its high vitamin K content, patients taking anti-coagulants such as Warfarin are encouraged to avoid kale since it increases the vitamin K concentration in the blood, which is what the drugs are attempting to lower. This effectively raises the dose of the drug and causes toxicity.

For more information on the benefits of Green Smoothies, check out GreenSmoothieGirl.com.  You can also read more information from my friend Sandra on her Facebook page.  Pinterest also has a ton of great Green Smoothie recipes!  I have gotten many of the ones I use today from Pinterest!

I hope this blog will entice you to give Green Smoothies a try!  They truly are delicious, and oh so healthy for you!!

Come back next week, when I cover another topic that includes “All Things Green“!!  🙂

 

Go Green!!

Christi

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If you would like to email Christi in regards to this blog, you may send it to:

Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

 

 

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“Glorious Living — Intentionally Living for God” by Megan Smidt, Certified Christian Life Coach

March 4, 2013 by

glorious living

Beginning March 29th, 2013, you will see a brand new blog appear on Girlfriends Coffee Hour.  Our Co-Founder, Megan Smidt, who is also a Certified Christian Life Coach, will begin taking questions via email from YOU, and then addressing those questions here on her new “Glorious Living” blog, each Friday!

Megan received her Life Coach certification in 2012 through Professional Christian Coaching & Counseling Academy.  She also has Bachelors of Arts degrees in English and Women’s Studies.

We are super excited about this blog, and feel it will be a great addition to GCH!  Megan has been successfully coaching others for some time now and is very excited to answer YOUR questions, as well!

Some topics you may want to ask Megan about:

  • Learning to manage change effectively
  • Getting unstuck, out of ruts and moving forward
  • Learning to think and see things differently
  • Expanding the capacity to take action
  • Finding clear values
  • Discovering and developing passions
  • Finding a life purpose
  • Building a clearer vision for the future
  • Finding meaning in what you are doing
  • Building self-confidence
  • Learning to relate to people effectively
  • Getting the courage to take risks
  • Getting free of self-sabotaging behavior and destructive self-talk
  • Building communication skills
  • Learning to take responsibility
  • Developing a closer walk with God

You may email your question to Megan at: Megan@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.  If you prefer your question to be anonymous, then just let her know in your email.

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2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,

are changed into the same image from glory to glory,

even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

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